Feralia
The Feralia was a public festival celebrated on 21st February in honor of the Manes, the spirits of the deceased. It marked the end of the Parentalia, a nine-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors.
Date: 21st February
Deity: Manes, Tacita
Observances: Offerings to ancestors, ritual to Tacita
During the Feralia, Roman citizens were expected to visit the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. These offerings typically included wreaths, grain, salt, wine-soaked bread, and violets. These simple tributes were believed to appease the spirits of the dead and strengthen the bonds between the living and the deceased.
The Feralia was a solemn occasion, marked by public mourning. Marriages were prohibited, and magistrates refrained from wearing their official insignia. Temples were closed, and no religious rites were performed.
On the Feralia, a unique ritual was performed in honor of the mute goddess Tacita. An old woman would sit in a circle with other girls and perform a series of actions involving incense, black beans, and a fish. This ritual was believed to ward off evil spirits and gossip.
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